Assuming that Paramount sticks with their planned release date, we are now exactly 2 years away from the next Star Trek movie which will be released on June 29th 2012. The sequel to JJ Abrams 2009 Star Trek film is still in the development phase, but things should begin to heat up soon. Today we take a look at what know (and what we don’t).

The story of the Star Trek sequel is just beginning

We have heard from writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman that they have the beginnings of a story for the Star Trek sequel. The team are going to start working with Damon Lindelof who has finished his work on Lost and has just got back from vacation. In fact this morning Lindelof tweeted "Vacation officially over. Ready to boldly go."

What do we know about the sequel?

The creative team:

The entire ‘Supreme Court’ is back as producers. For the Star Trek sequel JJ Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, and Roberto Orci will all have ‘producer’ credits (unlike the first film where only Lindelof and Abrams were credited as producers, while the rest of the team were ‘executive producers’). Although many expect JJ Abrams will again also direct, he has said he will not decide until the script is done (and assuming that his schedule permits).

For the 2009 Star Trek movie Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman were the only credited writers, however Damon Lindelof also did some work with the pair on the story and afterwards Bob and Alex went off to write the screenplay. For the sequel Lindelof was slated to work on the story with Bob and Alex, but it now that Lindelof is done with Lost, it looks like the three will work together on both the story and the screenplay.

As for the rest of the crew, although they have not signed up, it is expected that most will be the same as the 2009 film.

All of the main crew will be back for the sequel, and all have options for one additional film as well. So the sequel will at least include Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Anton Yelchin as Chekov, John Cho as Sulu and Simon Pegg as Scotty.

Additional cast from the first film could also end up reprising their roles, but are not givens. These include the likes of Ben Cross as Sarek and Bruce Greenwood as Pike. However, it is very unlikely Leonard Nimoy will be reprising his role as Spock Prime. And don’t expect Eric Bana (Nero) or Clifton Collins Jr. (Ayel) back either.

It is likely we will also see a number of new characters plus some familiar characters from Trek’s past. The writers had previously noted that some characters (like Christine Chapel) were considered for the first film, but they wanted to only include characters who had a good reason to show up and not just be a cameo (although Chapel is referred to in Star Trek 2009). Of course, the question of William Shatner reprising his role as an older Kirk or Kirk Prime (or even another character) will again become a hot topic. JJ Abrams has said not including Shatner was the hardest decision he made the first time around.

There is also the possibility of an international star coming on board. JJ Abrams has said this is one way they may look to boost global box office, as Star Trek 2009 under-performed in most non-English speaking markets.

Trek’s new crew: Yelchin, Pine, Pegg, Urban, Cho and Saldana (+ Quinto not-pictured) all will be back for the "Star Trek" sequel (Paramount)

The story

We know nothing. We don’t even know if the title will have a colon in it. The story is just starting to be hashed out so details are still well within the Abrams team’s notorious cone of silence. But there has been some discussion about general concepts.

Abrams and the writers have talked about wanting to create a richer story that delves deeper into the characters and also one that also possibly has some allegorical nature. And now that the origin story is out of the way, it is also expected that any possible villain will also be more fleshed out.

The biggest question now is the mix between original story and new characters vs. bringing back story elements and characters seen in classic Star Trek. There has been a lot of buzz in the media about a possible return of Khan. And we know that Khan was something that the team have considered, as at one point they discussed including a ‘post credits’ shot of the Botany Bay in Star Trek 2009, but didn’t do it as they felt it would force their hand on the decision. Most fans seem less interested in a new Khan, but many would like to see the new universe’s take on the Klingons.

One thing we can be pretty sure we will not see is more time travel. Although time travel was integral to their first film, the writers have also stated that time travel in their universe is not simply a matter of whipping around a sun. Of course that does not mean that the story will follow a traditional linear style (especially when you look at the styles of Abrams, Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof).

Ricardo Montalban (Khan) and William Shatner (Kirk) in original series episode "The Space Seed" – might we see a new Khan? (CBS)

What’s next?

Over the next few months the writers will be banging away at their story and script. That is expected to be completed by the end of the year, at which time the film will get the official green light (in Hollywood a film isn’t ‘real’ until there is a script). Then the film goes into pre-production until shooting starts around the Summer of 2011.

Of course we should also expect to see lots of rumors, and some may end up being true. These will be both plot rumors as well as casting rumors. TrekMovie will continue to try to cut through the rumors and report what can be verified.

As for the marketing of the Star Trek sequel, that is likely not going to start until 2011. We do know that there will be no panel at Comic Con 2010.

So stay tuned to TrekMovie.com, as the next two years should be a lot of fun.

POLL: What are your expectations?

There is a tradition of second films in a genre series being seen to be as good if not better than the first, including such films as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Aliens, Superman 2, and The Empire Strikes Back. But sometimes film end up not being so great, such as this summer’s Iron Man 2 (which most consider to be not as good as the first), and you also have films like Matrix Reloaded, Jaws 2 and of course Teen Wolf Too. So what are your current expectations?

Can I say something? NO KHAAAAAN!!!! Sorry but if they put Khan in Star Trek 12, then it’s nothing but a rehash and a fanboy story. Even if they have a Joe Blow Klingon nobody for a villain. That will suffice.

I feel that the next movie will be better than the first! With lots of action, humor and maybe some serious stuff as well, I have faith in these guys and Im sure they will put out something that will kick a**! Have faith in what your doing Bob, and to your team mates and you can’t go wrong bro.

Keep it small. Keep it character-focused. Every time I see one of the “quiet” episodes, I marvel at how well those moments work, as well as the overall stories.

My wish (this is a recap):

Kirk gets involved with a Klingon woman. The E crew takes sides with Klingons for a common goal or against a common enemy — possibly against a crazy Starfleet captain like Lord Garth. After some adventures, Garth is captured, the Klingons turn devious and we learn why Kirk hates ‘em. In fact, it would be more interesting if the Klingon chick lives to betray Kirk and becomes a love-hate interest for a possible return in a later movie.

That’s my two quatloos. PLEASE, don’t assemble this thing like so many other forgettable over-produced actioners. Star Trek deserves much much more.

No Shatner. Kirk Prime is dead, whether you like the way you died or not. Any other attempt to force him in will seem contrived, no matter what you do. And Shatner, being the man he is, will inevetibly overshadow the story, even unintentionally.

Rembember, you can still have a dark story with a villain or crisis, and still have the Enterprise boldly go where no one has gone before.

Admiral Archer cameo would be nice a nice nod to hardcore fans and Bakula, unlike Shatner, would not take over the show.

It would be nice to see Bruce Greenwood in the next movie again as Pike. He was definetly great as Pike.

And lastly, less lens flares (I know I am likely to be ignored on this one). At least more judicious use. There were some beautiful special effects in Star Trek (2009) that I felt were ruined with the constant flashing. I have also always been a fan of a steady camera. I’ve never cared for movies that look like they were taken with my camcorder. IN action scenes, shakiness is certainly appropriate, but during dialogue, it becomes distracting. Some movies make me want to puke with the constant movement.

All in all, the 2009 movie was very good. The Motion Picture is still my favorite, with The Wrath of Khan and First Contact coming in at close seconds. I have always been a fan of substance and a director who takes an active role in his movies. In addition to Star Trek, I am a huge Hitchcock fan, IMO the greatest movie director that has ever lived. Take us for a fun, adventure ride, and don’t be afraid to add some twists and turns along the way. Some of my favorite episodes of Star Trek have been ones that kept you guessing or somehow played with reality and every Star Trek series, from the original to Enterprise, had those episodes.

I can live with Khan, for two reasons. One, he is one of the all time villians in Star Trek lore and Two even none fans of the series know at least something about him. As sad as it may be, the nature of Hollywood is sink or swim, you dont get many chances to get it right. These guys are under a lot of pressure, along with a ton of other people in other projects to make something that will be succesful. If the sequel flops (which I dont believe possible) there is a chance we may not see another movie for a long time.
This isnt like the 80’s and 90’s when they churned out Trek movies almost assembly line fashion every two years or so. Those days are over. Its a new game with new players. So this team has my best wishes, and honestly I think they will succed big time!

What do we know? Not much. I’m still on this boat wondering why I should still care about these characters.Kirk was simply a jerk all throughout, I didn’t like Spock’s sole development being his willingness to kill someone, Scotty was simply a comic relief character, Uhura was all set up but no pay off, and Chekov was just a duty hogger that felt forced and unrealistic. The only characters that I thought were alright were Bones and Sulu, and it’s most likely that their little screen presence was a factor in them being more likable than everyone else.

I want to like these characters, but they just feel… Stubborn? I don’t know. I just don’t like them as much as I liked the originals.

It would be awesome to see a JJ Version of the Mirror Universe. Perhaps some sort of epic struggle between universes, and eventually, both universes touch and annihilate one another, and another Big Bang happens and we get the Prime Universe back… wouldn’t that be fun?

Jeyl, thanks for posting. I’ve been a little confused by the hundreds of comments you’ve made on these threads on exactly where you stand on the new film. Thanks for clearing that up. I’m really looking forward to reading an additional thousand posts from you across the next two years slamming all things JJ.

As long as there are no more TOS cameos or guest roles (I loved Nimoy’s ‘Spock Prime’ in ST 2009, but the training wheels can come off now; this cast is more than ready), and they don’t do time travel, we should be in for something fun. Nimoy’s presence was organic and vital to the last movie, but in a sequel it would only be a detriment to the new Spock (played so expertly by Zachary Quinto).
It’d be like having your parents come with you to a job interview…

I’m keeping my expectations somewhere below the stratosphere this time, not because of any lack of faith in the production team (far from it; I though ST2009 was incredible), but rather because, IMO, ST2009 will be a tough act to follow (as they got it so right the first time)!

Again, if Khan comes back (and honestly, I think this is not the most original idea but there are many worse), then at least I hope it’s not just a tired retread of Space Seed/Wrath of Khan. But judging by Bob Orci’s very self-aware posts in this forum, I assume he is more keen than most of the dangers of repetition. Khan could come back… but perhaps this time as an ALLY to Kirk to stop something worse than any potential conflict between himself and the Enterprise crew. Maybe the Enterprise and crew need his help (and his genetically engineered supermen).
Or not…. again; we’ll see!

I have faith that Orci will try to do the absolute best that he (and Kurtzman) can. They did it before, here’s hoping they can do it again! ; )

Everytime I hear fans dont want khan, it just convinces me Khan will work. Same fans who didnt want paramount to reboot n recast kirk n crew, imagine batman fans demanding not to recast the joker as it cant work because jack nicolson is a legend.

You cant avoid khan, hes floating around in this new universe n waiting to challenge kirk, crew, writers n audience.

ROLLING STONES: Powerful, must see, x as Khan steals show.

Point is, we liked reboot of tos now reboot some of the best characters

13. Agreed! I just watched “The Menagerie”, and you know something? Those characters weren’t smarting off in each other’s faces all the time. They actually talked. They had a real camraderie and warmth. I realize it’s a reflection of a gentler and genteeler era, whereas today it’s all about edginess and attitude. But I miss the more civilized interaction. For me that was an essential element of Trek’s heart.

Please, No Khan… and No Shatner either — God love him, he was my boyhood idol, but we’re past the reboot phase now. As some others have said, I wouldn’t mind seeing what the Klingons are up to in JJ’s universe.

NO KHAAAANNN! and no Shatner. Either or both would be considered a lack of effort on the part of the writers and also pandering to fanboy wishes. I want a good story and while I’d love to see Shatner ride this pony one-more-time… I cannot accept that this new universe crew keeps running into universe prime characters over and over.
No stunt casting… just a good story please. Make me think, make me smile, give me goosebumps and I will be thrilled and see it over and over.

I duno, I think they really f-ed themselves by getting the crew together years earlier than in the prime timeline. But yeah, please don’t rehash Khan. I’d love to see the Klingons in the this universe, I thought the deleted scenes on Rura Penthe were fantastic and was very upset they weren’t included in the movie (especially since they flesh out Nero’s backstory).

Also, pretty please, get the VFX guys to tinker with the Enterprise a bit. Scoot that neck forward on the engineering hull, and widen the space between the warp nacelles (the Star Trek DAC game actually did this with their Enterprise model…it really makes the design beautiful)

Yes, but http://tinyurl.com/2cbxrow
sure convinces me… that I’d plop down 8 bucks to see K/O/L & the gang’s take version of Khan v. Kirk: Stage 1.

Of course, that tweet is fishy…. so, if he’s getting something ready, then literally, the sequel shall be “To Boldly Go”.

Ready “To Boldly Go” as an alternate interpretation of that tweet! :)

@9 Matt, Amitabh is already 67 years old. I think he’s a bit older than Khan would be in 2259. Since Montalban was 45 when Space Seed was filmed, that would mean Khan is about 38 at the time of the sequel. Since Javier Bardem’s 41, and the more I think of him as Khanhttp://www.imdb.com/media/rm4086142976/nm0000849
the more that could work.

Even though I don’t really want to see Khan any more than some, one must admit that outside of fandom other than “Klingons”, “Khan” is gold. And it’s all about the Benjamins. (Dr. Benjamin Spock?)

What I’d personally love, is the Klingons… who become much more agressive toward earth start to push on Federation space. Say, open the film like Trek 09 and have Klingons declock and destroy a ship?

End main story with Klingon leader interrogated for information, who is leading them and making the decisions… it then says “A man called Khan”

I just think it would be cool if in the alternate reality, the Klingons find Khan first and not the Enterprise – Face it, they have to re-imagine Khan at some point, if only for the box office potential

I’m in favor of Khan. I don’t see why they can’t do Khan. It would only bear a little resemblance to “Space Seed”, in that he has to be woken up. But by who? Enterprise, another Constitution class ship, Klingons? Plus, it could all take place in a strange, dangerous part of space filled with treasures and anomalies as well as hostile space pirates.

I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Gorn, Andorians, Tholians and Daedalus class starships.

Re: “the writers have also stated that time travel in their universe is not simply a matter of whipping around a sun.” I hope the writers remember that it’s not a physically separate universe, it’s just an alternate future, post-Star Trek: Enterprise (which is equally canonical in both the Prime and alternate timelines). The laws of physics, fictional though they may be, have not changed, and seemingly paradoxical past incursions from the Prime 23rd and 24th centuries, such as the TNG crew’s role in the first warp flight, and Voyager visiting Los Angeles in 1996, still happened in the new timeline’s past.

However, in the Prime universe, Spock and the TOS crew learned the slingshot time travel technique from data gathered during accidental time travel in “The Naked Now” and “Tomorrow is Yesterday”, which was then used intentionally in “Assignment: Earth” (when it seemed oddly routine) and “The Voyage Home”. In the alternate universe, if the Enterprise crew may not make the discovery.

Lets just hope there isnt as many plot holes as the first film, I really dont think that hes crazy thing should fly for not making SOME rational decisions with the villan.

I mean why didnt one of his henchmen call him on the stuff he was doing, this isnt a bond film and he should have gone straight to romulius after escaping rurapenthey and try to get there backing to invade the federation, or atleast give his crew the option to live out there lives on romulus.

Yeah its weird! For some reason the engineering section on the new Enterprise really bugged me. Probably been said time and time again on these posts but, it actually looked like a factory set even before seeing the extras on the Blu Ray. It completley throws me everytime I move from the sleek interiors of the future into a beer factory ! There’s a complete absence of power at the heart of the ship, we need a central point of containment, “She’s gonna blow”.. “What Scotty?”
“The cap on my bottle of Bud captain”. Not really a big gripe though, just something I’d like to see change, maybe there’s more cash to design something this time around.
OH and YUP pull them naecels apart (however its spelt), gives the ship a bit more balance!. God I miss the original movies Enterprise, I want a battleship not an IPOD.

Strange how long its taking them to get anything together. I mean we know virtually nothing except for when they plan on releasing it, which we all know could easily change. We got slow bits of info for years before the last movie and they’re just acting like it…I don’t know, like it doesn’t really matter to them.

A rift exist between Starfleet and their young mostly unproven Captain. One easy task after another threatens his credibility to command! Kirk intervenes on a daring mission to change Star Fleets opinion of him and his crew. To do so must endanger himself and the careers of the Enterprise crew.
Kirk authorizes Uhura ease drop on Star Fleet conversations with other ships, to seek opportunity for the crew, but when the Enterprise expectantly appears at (?) negotiations break down and all-out war with the ? Ensues. Now Kirk must break rank with Star Fleet to uncover a terrible double cross, save the crew the captain and crew of the (?) and prevent an interstellar war.

No time-travel… GOOD it’s about time (heh) Star Trek put that one to bed for a nice long while. I like time-travel and alternate universes, but in ST it has been done enough times that I want something more focused on space exploration and culture collision and the like.

I would be happy to see the Enterprise and Crew go, where noone has gone before. no khan, no borg queen, no stupid goog agains evil. a story that shows in a fantastic way the unexpected in the galaxy. it should be like a thriller. suspense like in “aliens”, unexpected like “2010” and also heroical. i hope to see the starship as a valueable character in the story, not only as the place where the crew is hanging around. the destroying of the “d” was in my opinion not dramatical not necessary. the ship was always a main-character. the end of the first ship in st iii was dramatical necessary. i also would be happy to see admiral archer (and in the following more season of enterprise – maybe playing after star trek xi?). i would also be happy to see porthos again ;)

I think it would be fun if this site were to post a weekly “prediction” poll to see how we all feel about what the next film will (rather than what it should) include, and an excellent one would be Prediction: Porthos Appears?

These are some very creative people and they do great work. I’m sure whatever they wanted to do with Kahn would great. Lost is / was brilliant, and Trek 09 was better than all of the TNG Trek movies (imho), sad as that is.

But I’m still hoping that they’re going to aim a little higher. Didn’t we just do the whole evil dude on the ship with the vendetta thing? Can’t we do a movie that doesn’t involve some diabolical plan to destroy the earth / federation / enterprise / the captain?

Since the “JJ-verse” includes the destruction of Vulcan, it stands to reason that the balance of power in the Alpha quadrant, as we all are accustomed to it, shifts… and I’m thinking it shifts in such a way as to threaten the Federation. Perhaps we’ll be seeing a more militarized political atmosphere, more so than in the prime timeline….

Destroying Vulcan completely was SUCH a mistake. It is vtial in the Star Trek-verse. I dont know how they’re going to write themselves around where it doesn’t impact on everything we know of the original universe.

If the whole point of the alternate universe concept was to free themselves of what they consider to be a burdensome canon, then using the Klingons will reintroduce too much baggage. The Klingon culture and history is the most well defined within the canon that must still exist, even in the new universe.

I don’t expect Klingons to be central to the next story. It’s too dangerous for them.

I think Star Trek on tv is a different animal than Star Trek on film. A tv show has to be wrapped up in less than an hour. The stories take on a different form, in that they are usually stripped down, and some short-cuts need to be taken. By having characters talk more, a lot of details are wrapped up in a more compact way. The “conversation pieces” help to move the story along more quickly.
In a film there are nearly two hours to get into greater detail, both in terms of story and character. Especially in an action/adventure film, you can’t get away with “tell don’t show.” I do not expect to see any “conference room” scenes, unless it is really important to the story.

I am speculating that when the Supreme Court had meetings about bringing Star Trek back to life, they had to be looking into the future. Would they re-vamp the franchise in order to repeat things that had been done before? Would they put the characters in a new environment only to bring back characters, events, circumstances from the old environment? Or would they create a scenario that would free them from the bonds of everything that took place in the old environment? I am one of those who believes they would not have gone to such lengths (in creating a new universe) only to rely on old stories to tell new ones. The so-called nuTrek is as much a paradox as the new universe it takes place in: it is still Star Trek, but it is a different Star Trek.

As for anything allegorical in the sequel, this is one thing that can certainly be carried over from TOS without any trepidation. Sci-fi has always been one of the greatest vehicles to say something about the human condition without proselytizing (even though some of TOS-Kirk’s speeches could get rather preachy). “Lost” had its own allegorical quality, so seeing Star Trek take on such a quality seems only natural, coming from these writers.

Finally, the time that has passed since “Star Trek” has certainly given the Court time to contemplate everything they did in that film. Hindsight is always 20/20, and I’m sure they learned some things from that first experience. The sequel stands to benefit from lessons learned, which is why I believe the sequel will be even better than the first.

Midway through Star Trek 12, I’d like to see Kirk, Spock and McCoy go undercover to a concert of hers on a distant planet like with Diva Plavalaguna in The Fifth Element (1997). Her character (the most famous and successful singer in the Alpha Quadrant) could have dark connections to the Orion Syndicate who should be the villains of the sequel as they are essentially the Mafia of the Star Trek universe, involved in piracy, smuggling, and extortion. An explosively intense, thunderous phaser fight could erupt interrupting the show when she sings Bad Romance, Paparazzi, Poker Face or Just Dance between Kirk, Spock and McCoy and some Orion Syndicate henchmen.

All of the cut scenes should have been included in the final film. J.J. Abrams made a bad call removing the Rura Penthe scenes. He said that the test audiences were confused by those scenes in particular. I am at a loss as to what was so confusing about the inclusion of the Klingons in the film. I am stunned that yet another recognisable actor (Victor Garber) was in the film and not only was it not announced but cut out. It was absolutely shocking to leave such a huge plot hole regarding where the villains were for 25 years. It makes them look lazy and stupid on top of the fact that they were superficial. Nero and Ayel would have had more depth at least as well. The scenes with the Kirk family and Spock’s birth should have been included as well.

Four stunningly beautiful and talented actresses were wasted in the last movie and should have had more screentime. Jennifer Morrison only appeared at the beginning and we don’t find out what happened to her, Rachel Nichols was only in it for three minutes and we don’t find out what happened to her, Winona Ryder was in it for nearly ten minutes and was needlessly killed off and Diora Baird was nowhere to be found (except in a brief cut scene).

The Jerry Goldsmith theme music from the Star Trek Insurrection end credits should have been used at the end. Even Russell Watson’s ‘Where My Heart Will Take Me’ (the album version which is one of the greatest, most inspirational and underrated songs of all time) should have been included in the film. The Original Series theme music and new theme music in the movie was unnecessary. The soundtrack was disappointing overall. ‘Labour of Love’ was the best part of it.

James Kirk lost nearly every fightin Star Trek (2009). He should have been a hardcore badass like Christian Bale in Batman Begins and particularly in The Dark Knight, Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, Matt Damon in the Bourne trilogy and Liam Neeson in Taken. He should have won the fights against the Starfleet officers, Spock and Nero. The fight between Kirk and Nero was pointless and anticlimactic. A wasted opportunity for an amazing and action-packed fight which would have made Kirk’s triumph at the end all the more emotional and uplifting. He didn’t seem to care about avenging his father. He should have gone after Nero after shooting Ayel. The fight between Jean–Luc Picard and Shinzon at the climax of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) was more satisfying and even the William Riker and Reman Viceroy showdown.

That will make SHAT 81 ..though I think he’ll live to be 100 the ways he’s going!….but even he’s said he doesn’t have too much time left…they need to get on it!
I would like them bring back Jennifer Morrison as Winona Kirk which would be a good intro into Tiberius Kirk played by the one and only SHAT! It would be just too hokey to have him play “Prime Kirk”..or future Kirk….
I guess they’ll have the Klingons bring him back in time( oh yeah, no time travel)…
I wouldn’t care if Khan came back if the story were different from the TOS episode…have some sort of race where the Klingons found the Botany Bay and the big E has to fight them both!
Throw in a little Tom Hanks as Com Dekker, or Jack Black as Cyrano Jones and we have a movie!….too much going on?

if the guys come with Khan again which I will hate.. it shouldn’t take them until December to do it..

I hope they don’t do khan, I think “No khan” is mentioned everytime a discussion comes up about the sequel. Im not certain how this will new timeline will go, if everybody is now different are we really viewing the voyages of Kirk and the Enterprise at all, or is this just some elaborate trap.

So in the sequel will we now have Bill Shatner say to Chris Pine “No I am your father”. At which point Chris Pine says “aren’t you dead?”

Shatner will not be prime kirk at all but 2009 Kirk’s father, he didn’t die on the Kelvin he was captured experimented on, agged quickly due to the radiation and now escaped to return to 2009 Kirk.

There you go who said we can’t find a way to put Shatner in the movie.

Something stood out from all the comments on here. Khan being awoken by the Klingons. Especially considering the number of Klingon ships destroyed by Nero. That in addition to the destruction of Vulcan sure does change the balance of power in the alternate reality. Which raises some questions..

1. What about the Romulans? What are they up to?

2. Did Nero even get to interact with the Romulans in the alternate reality, maybe, transmit information to them?

3. (Watching too much Dr. Who) Are there things fixed in the Star Trek universe no matter the timeline, reality, or universe? (crews getting together, finding Khan, supernovas destroying entire galaxies, that sort of thing) What are they?

4. How has the sudden loss of the many Klingon ships affected the empire and culture?

73 – got the feeling that George Kirk ended up a specks on the viewscreen. Though, nothing is impossible in ST. Maybe his DNA was used to reconstitute him.

I gotta say this, Shatner needs to loose some weight but I’d wouldn’t mind seeing him in the next ST if they just don’t shoehorn him in. And Shat, you can’t steel the show. This new cast needs to continue to shine (as the primary carriers of the story).

#55–I agree, Star Trek should be in the title. Enterprise tried dropping Star Trek from the title and found it was vital (granted Enterprise was also going through growing pains in the first 2 years). Star Trek is not Batman. The Star Trek name is vital. I agree with what was said earlier by some of Abram’s team, it should be Star Trek: ____. Including a number would be too confusing (should it be II, XII, IIA??). Yes that would follow the Next Generation movie naming, but so what. Everyone knows the next movie is not a Next Generation film.

“@9 Matt, Amitabh is already 67 years old. I think he’s a bit older than Khan would be in 2259.”

“@32 Daoud – How about his son Abhishek Bachchan ?”

Daoud, Matt,

Aha, I see that some people here are familiar with Bollywood ;) Great stuff.

Amitabh would have been a fantastic choice 15-20 years ago, but I agree that he’d be too old to play Khan now. Ditto for Kabir Bedi. (Javier Bardem is of course a superb & viable non-Bollywood alternative, depending on how old Bob Orci etc want to make Khan this time around).

Mr Bachchan’s son Abhishek also occurred to me as a possible choice; however, as I mentioned on one of the previous threads, I think Hrithik Roshan would be best of all. To some extent he even looks a bit like a younger version of Ricardo Montalban, he already has experience in playing a charismatic villain (and was so good at it that he ended up stealing the movie and won multiple awards for his performance), he also has experience in playing extremely powerful regal figures thanks to his acclaimed, awardwinning performance as the Mughal emperor Akbar, and apparently he’s very keen to star in a Hollywood film “for the right role”.

Bob and Alix will surprise us with a story rich in expanding Klingon mythology. Key is finding a strong actor for the Klingon foil, as with Nero in 2009, to stand in opposition to Kirk and Spock. They will find him and or her.

I hope they can then expand on other great Star Trek concepts like alternate universe, Ferengi and green girls in this and or future films.

“I’m in favor of Khan. I don’t see why they can’t do Khan. It would only bear a little resemblance to “Space Seed”, in that he has to be woken up. But by who? Enterprise, another Constitution class ship, Klingons?”

As i said before. I´m brazilian and watched the new movie on teathers.
In fact, watched all the movies on teathers since “The Final Frontier”.

But most aging brazilians did not, for one reason, “Star Trek” was always very well known around here in the dubbed and translated version “Jornada nas Estrelas”.

Call it unsensitiveness from the marketing guys for not translating the POSTERS, we brazilians know and love “Star Trek” for half a century too, but “Jornada nas Estrelas” sounds just too good on our ears.

It has nothing to do with “star power” or dumbing down for us clueless third worlders, we grew up with this show the same way americans did, except it was well dubbed in brazilian portuguese.

No Shat, he has had his send off (shame they didn’t have the send off from ST09 though…as it sounded good).

No Khan, it is too opposed by people, as good as it might be.

How about a strike on Earth (possibly suicide attack) by the Klingons. Some in Starfleet demand war, and Admiral Pike has to calm the situation down and buy for time whilst the Enterprise attempts to get the bottom of what happened….

I don’t envy these guys hashing out a new script. Once again the Trek Franchise is in their hands. With last years film they relaunched Trek. The big question is will they get Trek to achieve orbit or will it just fall into the ocean?

My only request to the writers: Please stop having Uhura following Spock around like a love sick puppy.

When you add it all together, it looks like it’s going to be Khan doesn’t it? :(

If true, I can only hope “the Supreme Court” doesn’t rule injustly on the backstory set for Augments in Enterprise, and how setting up a new universe effectively kept all that plus Khan’s 1990’s history in place.

My advice would be to at least watch these back-to-back, before starting on the script…

The one thing I DO NOT want to see in the second film is the mirror universe. The end of ST09 left us with a young, unproven crew. We have not yet seen them grow into the characters we remember from TOS (especially the Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship) or whatever they are going to grow into. And the new mainstream viewers have not yet gotten to know really these characters at all.

The personalities of mirror universe characters are far different than their counterparts (and in some cases personalities are the opposite). So unless you are going somehow have the entire crew transported into the mirror universe, how are we supposed to get to know them? Not to mention that NuTrek is in an alternate universe to begin with. Throwing in the mirror universe would just add more confusion (especially with the general audiences)

Maybe if there is a 4th or 5th film and the relationship between the crew (themselves as well as the general audience) has been established, then I think a visit to the mirror universe might be cool.

@16: “I’m really looking forward to reading an additional thousand posts from you across the next two years slamming all things JJ.”

JJ is not the real issue here for me. The man is very talented. However, in the case of Star Trek, all he does is put whatever is on the script onto the screen. He may contribute a lot of to the overall style, pacing, direction and look of the film, but when it comes to the story and the characters, those elements come from the minds of Bob and Alex. Their writing just doesn’t suit me, and it doesn’t suit what I liked about movies.

I expect it to be better than the first, much like how batman Begins was very good but The Dark Knight was even better. Once you’ve gotten past the origin story, it’s time to tell a deeper, more exciting tale. As for what villian, if any, is in the film, I’ll leave that up to them. They did fine the first time around and I’ll give trust them to handle this next one well too.

Khan will probably be at the end of the next one, alluding to its sequel.

Here’s what we could have, in my conjectural order of possibility:

1. Klingons (Re-hash, possibly, of Day of the Dove, or Errand of Mercy, etc)
2. Vulcan refugee story
3. Gary Mitchell
4. The Cage/Menagerie re-boot (I love this one, especially with Greenwood’s Pike, and it could be pretty crazy in execution with modern effects and the Talosians. It also makes sense, in a weird way, to be the first Star Trek ‘episode’ since the prequel, which took place ‘before’. Ug.)
5. Khan early
6. The plotline, also, could be any combo of the above, pretty much.

As far as the story, I’m totally flexible, but please, tone down the lens flares, have the Enterprise’s engineering department undergo a *total* refit (lose the brewery), and please oh please let’s make the Enterprise sound effects a little less toy-like.

In the sequel they must return Vulcan…In the Star Trek history they made first contact with Earth 5 April 2063 when Zefram Cochrane invented the first space ship that can travel more than the speed of light…and they helpd Earth in many ways…ofcourse if that Star Hystory it counts in the new movie…Let us see someonse digging in the computer of the ship where is told the first contact for Archer and how Federation of the planets was created..

I have no idea if you are being genuine or sarcastic, but for anyone who does not enjoy reading negative posts from Jeyl, or anyone’s for that matter, I have some advice:

DON’T READ THEIR POSTS.

There are many folks who post here whom I routinely skip over, because I’m not interested in what they have to say.

Seriously, for those who see Jeyl as a “hater” and a “troll”, why not take the standard “internet 101″ advice and not “feed them”? Exercise a little self control and simply ignore them.

I mean really, for those who feel the need to respond to posts like Jeyl’s, what’s the motivation? Are you afraid such posts might influence others, or somehow erode someone’s otherwise positive feelings towards the film, perhaps even your own?

Anthony has made it very clear as long as folks are polite and well mannered, anyone is free to express any opinion about Star Trek. And as there always have been, there are critics standing shoulder to shoulder with the fanboys, and the rest of us. Anthony has graciously chosen not to censor the negative opinions about the new film. So let’s all respect Anthony’s decision and allow everyone to express themselves freely.

Saying no more khan is like saying we don’t want to see Superman go up against Lex any more, or don’t put the Joker in The Dark Night cause he was in the first Batman…..Don’t have Moriarty in the next Sherloc. movie he’s not an original character. Might as well say don’t put the original crew in the movie, cause they have been done before. Just cause it’s Khan doesn’t mean that the story has to be Space Seed or Star Trek. A completely new plausible story can be created. Although I must say, if JJ is bringing back Star Trek for the masses and not just the Star Trek fans then a re imagining Space Seed could work. While the Mass may know of Start Trek II, they may have no clue about Space Seed. I know I didn’t when Trek II came out when I was a kid. My mom had to tell me about Space Seed. Even though TOS came on tv every Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. Space Seed was an episode rarely seen.

They have to have an actor from India with a meaty role. Perhaps Anil Kapoor from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ or more recently, ’24’. He is hugely popular in India and now also well known in the US. This will ensure an audience for Star Trek in India.

I mean India is a huge market for blockbuster Sci-fi. ‘Avatar’, with versions dubbed in local languages, was the highest grossing hollywood movie in India surpassing many big bollywood movies. However, ‘Star Trek’ is not well known (I am a huge fan).

Considering India’s contribution to space science as well as its love for movies, an actor from India is the International star ‘Star Trek’ is looking for to boost international box office.

I just hope that Khan, Klingons or Borg (or other TNG, VOY, DS9 enemy races) are not the villains in the next movie. I would also prefer, if there isn’t any time travel story again.

I like to see a Horta and an Andorian. A cameo would be enough.

An international star will probably only help to increase the viewers in those countries, where he or she is well known and liked. I don’t think it will have an effect in other countries. I don’t even think that most Hollywood stars will have an effect. Enough movies were a flop, despite big Hollywood stars.

Just make a great movie and increase the promotion of the movie outside of the USA. Send some of the actors into popular shows outside of the USA to promote Star Trek. And try to make a deal with Kinder Surprise eggs in Europe and especially Germany. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings figures were in those eggs in the past. I think it is a great marketing tool, because many adults and children buy them or at least see them in shops.

It’s amazing how people’s taste differ. I thought SUPERMAN was clearly a much better film than SUPERMAN 2. The first film was epic and grand; the second film was an action comic book. The first ALIEN film was also superior than the second ALIEN film. It was mature, suspenseful and demonstrated excellent filmmaking technique; the second film was an action comic book… well done, but still a cartoon. What I come away with here is that the new standard of “quality ” is now how much a film resembles a cartoon. Sad. With each day, the end of quality, adult filmmaking becomes more and more evident.

@110: “Seriously, for those who see Jeyl as a “hater” and a “troll”, why not take the standard “internet 101″ advice and not “feed them”? Exercise a little self control and simply ignore them.”

But I don’t want to be a troll or a hater. I’m just disappointed with Star Trek. I haven’t pointed fingers at anyone saying that they suck, I’m just saying that this new Trek is not to my liking. Emphasis on “my” and not “yours”. I think this is just an example of things that people say on the internet anonymously when they would most likely say something different if we were talking to each other face to face.

Hey why not just toss everything into the sequel: a smorgasbord of Khan, Borg, Klingons, Romulans, Gorn, Tholians, Talosians, Gary Mitchell, Carol Marcus, Christine Chapel, Harry Mudd, the Guardian of Forever, the Doomsday Machine, Finnegan, Kirk Prime and Jonathan Archer & Porthos for good measure (I’m sure the list could be expanded so as not to leave anything or anyone out), and the whole thing takes place in the Mirror Universe of the “new” Trek-verse.
Oh, and then bring in the Top 5 grossing actors in the world to get the global thing going.
That oughta do it…

2. Khan is not like the joker or lex luthor. He was one character who got a second outing.

3. Khan holds interest to the greater community. They will just think it a rehash of a film they already did not want to see.

4. Nero was like Khan. An intelligent enemy full of rage seeking revenge.

5. Apart from not being of interest to a wider community Khan would be of no interest to 50% (being generous) of trekkies. Many will just wait for the dvd at best.

There are no real good reasons when aiming for a mass market which Trek needs to survive. Aiming to please the small number of fanboys and girl who would love to see a Khan story would be business suicide.

I say that all with respect for those who want Khan. I just don’t think the numbers are there for it to work.

#122, I support your right to express yourself however you like. Indeed I find you offer some keen criticisms. Unfortunately you cannot help how others may perceive you. Ergo, my advice to those who have a problem with you. Advice which pares down these forums to expression of ideas instead of petty bickering over people’s inability to censor themselves.

#123, NuFan, you must live in some kind of social utopia, where people agree on everything, and nobody sticks to their guns. I have a very good conservative friend and every time I see him, he criticizes what he perceives as a liberal agenda in government. His viewpoint never changes, I cannot make him change his mind and he makes the same observations repeatedly no matter how many times we’ve discussed the same issue. I find this to be demonstrative of many people in the world, and I find your observation mostly unrealistic.

Plus you seem to want to subject yourself to Jeyl’s viewpoints rather than take my advice, so obviously there’s more going on there.

I like your ideas, though I don’t think too many people(including myself) would be interested in seeing Khan in three consecutive films. I think what you came up with is interesting, but a little too big. I would prefer that each movie Bob writes be a standalone picture, a movie where the general audience wouldn’t have to worry about too many details and where everything is going. A self-contained Khan story would work best.
And i’m not really interested in a Federation civil war. Might be too political. I would prefer to see something take place in a region of space that is dangerous, but also wonderous. But I think we do agree that we need to see the Klingons as well as Khan. :-)

I’m sorry, but Klingons have been seen in how many films now?
1,3,5,6,7 and god know how many episodes?
I will obviously see the movie if it does feature them yet again, but I know I will feel disappointed.
There is a whole galaxy of aliens to explore. Why retread the same old ground over and over?

Maybe in this universe Khan was in one of the sleeping tubes that malfunctioned. Maybe when the Klingons discover the Botany Bay drifting in space and start to revive the crew a new leader emerges among the genetically engineered humans. A leader played by Rachel Weisz? (I hear she’s interested in a part)

I’d like to see a proper Trek story: the Enterprise and her crew in deep space on the five-year mission, away from the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, on their own and up against the odds. I don’t even see much need to reference the events of the previous film. Give us a story that can stand alone and take place in either version of Trek history.

And don’t be gentle with the characters either: other than the Big Three, feel free to kill off any of the supporting cast.

To my mind, the guys should look back at the 1960s show, ignoring anything that happens afterwards – movies, spinoff shows or whatever – and imagine the coolest, most fantastic original Star Trek story that could ever be told. Then write it and put it on screen.

If they want to appeal to non-English-speaking audiences, fill the supporting roles and extras with names from Asia and the Far East. For the lead villain roles, cast actors from those territories as well. There are a good 2 billion+ potential viewers to attract by targeting these territories. Balance it out by giving Kirk and lMcCoy some female love interests from there too!

There are countless ways to bring in the audience to this film, but my core belief is that it needs to be able to stand alone. If the story and characterisation are strong enough, we shouldn’t need Bill Shatner cameos, Klingons and Romulans. Let’s not see them again as a major element of the series. Let’s focus on new life and new civilisations.

While ST09 was about the past and rearranging it, the sequel needs to carve a bold path into the future.

I’m sure that whatever direction they go in it’s going to be great. Star Trek is in good hands for the first time in a long time.

All I want is one last scene with Shatner and Nimoy (he has “retired” 1,000 times) as Kirk and Spock that gives them both a better ending. Kind of sad that Spock is stranded in an alt universe and Kirk died while falling off a bridge.

Given the approach, I’ve always felt that the best elements of the 2009 film were the ones that didn’t hew so close to the original series / characters. What’s more, regardless of the rhetoric, I think they should continue shaking things up in very specific and noticeable ways, one of which is that, given their knowledge / pre-knowledge of one another, I don’t see Kirk and Spock being as close in the new films as they were in the original timeline and are expected to be by Spock Prime in the first film. I think their best bet would be to make the central “duo” be Kirk-Bones, since that seemed to be the absolute best pairing, of sorts, in terms of characters.

Lastly, while Pegg is entertaining, I hope they bring the comic nature of his character down a notch or two. Seeing him not only adapt to but embrace this “new crew” and being thrust into service after so long in career exile in last year’s film felt a bit arbitrary and did a disservice to rather than improved upon Doohan’s original take, which always had Scotty having more a mind of his own rather than being one of the crew’s cheerleaders.

Lastly, I loved that Sulu seems to be the true action guy and hope that they deviate from canon by giving Chekhov some psychological depth to compliment the wunderkind intellect of Anton Yelchin’s inspired performance.

im starting to thing Khan or the botany bay wont appear or if so – only in a cameo of the ship at the end joker card style or a throw away line(e.g. something similar to the Khan reference in the ‘Enterprise’ Augments episdoes) …a wink to the fans who were expecting it

it just seems abit too obvious for Star Trek ‘2’ to have Khan as the central villain like Star Trek II did 30 years prior..

whoever finds the botany bay again – be it Klingons or another federation ship itd involve Kirk and the Enterprise having a showdown with an angry Khan and his followers which would sort of be a retred of TWOK (& space seed)…ok i realise Khan wouldnt be wanting revenge on kirk for marooning him for 15 years but hed still no doubt end up being all vicious and angry and mad and wanting to kill everone and wanting revenge for something or other…

plus i think itd be abit too soon after Nero who was basically as Khan like a villain as one could get

so maybe just a Khan hint in the sequel – which then *could* lead to a Khan movie in 2015….

as for the main villain for the sequel? – im gonna bet on it being the klingons…..unless they gonna have Klingons PLUS Khan (like a joker/Havey Dent thing)

#142: “What’s more, regardless of the rhetoric, I think they should continue shaking things up in very specific and noticeable ways”

I’d love that. It felt like a bit of a gyp to me in ST09, they invested so much narrative load into twisting things over to the RMverse to make things “fresh” and “new” and open up the “infinite” story possibilities of an unknown future … and how did they spend the resulting currency? On a re-tread cartoon villain gnawing the scenery and threatening the Earth. Whee.

The Spock-Uhura thing was pretty much the only new thing they brought to the table, and while it was embarassingly fan-fic like (I’m used to that, all the films have been embarassingly fan-ficcish in one way or another) that’s really the only speck of newness in the whole bowl of warmed-over retreat they were serving.

More shake-it-up, by all means. And I don’t just mean the camera (please, some of us just ate).

Scouting for a new Vulcan homeworld, the crew of the Enterprise discover a form of sentience totally heretofore unknown, one that poses a threat to life as we know it, and challenges the basis of the Prime Directive.

Personally, I think TREK was in better hands with Meyer than the current team. With the exception of LOST, I haven’t seen any production from this team–television or film–that has impressed me in the slightest.

I say skip the bipedal bad guy with the different forehead of the week and take the viewer on a trip (i.e EXPLORE). Star Trek hasn’t sought new life and new civilizations in a LONG time. Throwing in another James Bond style villain with some over-the-top acting and reason for vengeance just seems like a cop out to the lowest common denominator.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I don’t want to see the Klingons or Khan.

Very good points. There are obviously a number of valid arguments both for and against Khan’s inclusion in the next movie(s); and I guess the filmmakers could condense some of the ideas I suggested into a single film if a trilogy was deemed to be inviable. I also can’t emphasise enough how well-suited that Indian superstar I mentioned in #77 would be for the role of Khan – it really would be perfect casting.

Regarding the objections to Khan in some quarters of the Trek fandom…It’s interesting to notice the parallels with the vociferous protests that arose prior to Ron D Moore’s re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, especially the decision to cast Starbuck as a female character. Of course, we all know well things actually turned out ;) Fans – even the apparent dominant opinions amongst them – aren’t necessarily always right prior to the actual release of the finished product when it comes to these dramas.

In any case, hopefully Bob Orci etc can be trusted to take on-board all the various viewpoints, subsequently make the right decisions, learn the relevant lessons from history, and so on. It’ll be interesting to see what they ultimately decide to do in terms of the next couple of sequels.

And yes, Klingons would be a nice bonus too ;) I loved the way that RDM’s direct input resulted in a far greater level of cultural depth and ‘rounded’, believable characterisation in the depiction of the Klingons, especially on DS9. So there’s plenty of intelligent source material to draw from on that front too, even though RDM himself obviously isn’t involved in the new movies.

I am looking forward to the next film. I love Star Trek and want to see new Trek.

I guess the problem is despite myself ending up loving Star Trek XI I did have gripes with some of the changes so to me it is a given that a few more things will prob be done that I as a fan will not agree with. But if they do great then I will like the next film.

I am against Khan appearing because no matter what it will feel like a rehas and be compared to Space Seed and Wrath of Khan. Sorry but you cannot improve upon perfection.

An ‘exploration’ film would suck, and would kill the franchise! I don’t understand why people can’t see that! The people out there who are going to spend the kinds of money that we give us the chance of more films aren’t going to sit for 2+ hours watching nebulas and first contact with a wibbly energy based life form…thats an episode, it is not a film! Episode storylines and film storylines are very different and need to be treated differently!

I think bringing the Klingons into it as a really Nazi sort of evilrace would provide considerable box office appeal…

Now would be a great opportunity to adapt “The Secret of Vulcan Fury”, written by DC Fontana and intended as a game…but wait…

hmmm…wait Vulcan was destroyed, damn.

Check out the PC game, “Star Trek: The Next Generation: A Final Unity”, which has dozens of planets and a nice intergalactic puzzle, it´s one of the best Star Trek stories so far, it might give you some directions.

Yeah, a purely exploration-themed film just wouldn’t bring in the masses except for hard core Trekkies, and even they would probably end up feeling like it was an extended two-hour television episode with a bigger budget!

That is why I think they will (and probably should) bring in Khan and the Klingons for the sequel. There is no reason why it has to be a rehash. Its a different timeline and how the writers deal with Khan will be different from how previous writers dealt with him.

As I have said before, I think the writers should aim to make a smart movie for smart people who enjoy good sci-fi as well as drama. Not to those who are more interested in “Transformers” or other mindless blow ‘em up type movies.

We have seen that Bob is capable of writing brilliant scenes, such as the Kelvin encountering the Narada, but dumb scenes like Engineer Olsen’s death and Kirk’s expanding hands have to go. And I would prefer an actual engineer.

oops, I mean’t “an actual engineering”! Though I suppose what I inadvertantly wrote could apply to Scotty who shouldn’t be comical, but someone who is in love with the Enterprise and does whatever is necessary to protect and care for her.

And same amount of Keenser. As long as he assists Scotty and not overshadows him, I’ll have no problem with him.

To me plot must be necessary, but plot is not sufficient when you are dealing with ST.

The thing is, as Boborci must know better than any of us, is that we know or think we know these characters. We want all that we deserve for our $12 IMAX ticket in terms of spectacle, and good films draw action out of character and character out of action.

It must be an absolute nightmare, a 5 million piece puzzle to put these elements together satisfactorily. All scriptwriting is hard but in this case there are 50 years of expectations and preconceptions too.

However, I think they did it pretty brilliantly before and they get the team concept . Right after the Narada explodes and the Enterprise escapes, the camera “tosses the ball” over the bridge crew…we see Spock’s content-laded yet minimalistic nod to Kirk, Kirk’s relieved, semi-astonished grin, Sulu and Chekhov amazed.

This is the essence of TOS, the ensemble. They get it and I am therefore confident that Trek is in good hands for now.

I want to see the Tribble home world. Maybe as a backdrop for something sinister or a meeting place for smugglers on their way to the federation. A younger Cyrano Jones accompanying them gets an eyeful of ideas.

I think they will have to bring it into line with the original series somehow. As it stands now, Kirk never knew his father (Not the case in original) And you have 2 spocks running around (Can’t have that). It will be interesting to see how they bring it together. I can’t wait!

Bob- I do think it would be wiser to doing something fresh with the next film rather than draw or rehash what has come before.

Sometimes it seems its either Khan, Klingon or the Borg. Borg don’t belong in Kirk’s time, don’t think you should touch Khan as too many remakes these days and Klingons where in most of the TOS movies. Also I feel the Klingons need to be smooth headed if you did them.

I would like to see a Star Trek that is more science fiction than something like Star Wars. Remember the series had science advisors. Many in NASA cite the show as inspiration. A little space exploration would be welcome.

Don’t remake Khan. “Khan, Insurrection, and Trek 09″ all had villains who wanted revenge. Use Roddenberry as a guide. The original series was full of his ideas of how to make the world better. He wanted to end racism, the Viet Nam war, and in Trek IV, there was a pro-enviroment message ins saving the whales. Just remember that a thoughtful science fiction action movie can still be profitable. See “District 9.” Though not a science fiction movie, “Dark Knight” had many statements about society, the war on terror etc., and it made a ton of money.

If there is a wild concept like an alternate timeline, I would appreciate more discussion or dialogue. There’s no rule that the movie has to come under two hours. See “Lord of the Rings.” I just want some time to breathe and think about a deep concept like that. And there’s nothing wrong with the audience thinking.

We all want to see a Trek as good as “City on the Edge of Foreever”, “The Doomsday Machine” “Arena” “The Best of Both Worlds, ” “The Chase” etc.

I guess its the balance between giving the fans what they want and to put in what it needs for the mainstream to get it.

I think Star Trek XI felt more like a Star Wars film because of the pacing of the film which although great for a big event movie I think it left the plot a bit thin. It seems to be a bout a villain who wants revenge more so these days and to me that is not the only thing Star Trek is about.

If there is a villain I do want him to be a stronger villain. Nero was a really poor villain andI felt Shinzon worked better as a villain in Nemesis.

I feel appealing to the mainstream might cause a few more Star Trek ideals to be lost.

You guys are all full of crap. When the movie comes out, if Papa Smurf was the main villam, you’d all go. Speculation is fun but ripping on a movie you all have seen and probably own the DVD as well is just silly. If you can do better, start writing, present a script all over Hollywood, and see if someone bites….otherwise STFU b/c you know you ALL will go see it.

Most of these posts are people bitching and moaning about how Star Trek sucked, was different, how they should do this or shouldn’t do that. My point is simply this…if you don’t like it, don’t see it, don’t buy it, and write your own movie or book and get it made or published. Otherwise, focus on the positive and admire what others have done to entertain you.

But to sit and here and say “oh they should not do Khan…” or “this movie was horrible…” blah blah blah. I’m pretty sure 100% of the fan crap on You Tube is horrible enough that they were not made into movies, and the ‘true’ fans of ST view the ST world through the eyes of admiration, not scrutiny.

Obviously the star wars story took place a long time ago but if they brought the two worlds together with modern day characters from the wars universe and deal with Kirk’s having to face a sith lord with the power of the force.

Sith lord with saber comeing off second best to Kirk with bare hands = box office gold.

Your comment “STFU” is very eloquent and civil. Yes, I agree that we “stop the furball uprising.” Tribbles are a threat to the environment. :)

Let me address the rest of your attacks. First, I like Star Trek 09, or Star Trek, no. 11. That doesn’t mean it was a great movie. You write that if I don’t admire it, then I’m not a true Star Trek fan. I’m sorry I’m not going to equate all Star Trek movies and shows the same. If you’re making art you should seek perfection. If I’m writing Star Trek, I want my work to be one of the best Treks ever. And i’m not ripping the next movie, because it hasn’t been made.

You keep making the argument that if a person who hasn’t had a screemplay greenlit, then he has no right to criticize Star Trek ’09. This is specious. That’s like saying Bob Costas can’t criticize the Dallas Cowboys because he never played the game or that he can’t criticize Barry Bonds for alleged steroid use. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s an opinion. This being July 4th, let’s think about the freedom of speech. Opinions are part of the marketplace of ideas. From this marketplace comes truth and improvements in society, etc. You have a right to express your opinion. If you dont’ like Star Trek V, you know the one with the trinity singing “Row, row, row your boat”, you have a right to say it wasn’t good. And maybe that way, another goofy Trek won’t get made.

By the way, Khan would never kill me since I’m Lt. Marla McGivers’ (Khan’s wife) great , great grandfather. Khan doesn’t mess with the McGivers side of the family.

Oh, to show you that I can laugh at myself, here’s the hilarious spoof of Trekkers complaining about Trek ’09 from the Onion. And don’t make fun of my aunt in the Klingon costume. :)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02LgdXVkXgM

I never said that if you dont’ have a screenplay greenlit that you cannot criticize. You in fact continue to prove my point that it’s easiest to come here and attempt to express your positivity/negativity towards another’s work rather than take the hard way and ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING. Fans of the movie industry tend to find the positives in works as well as the negatives. All I see here are whiny pseudo-critics that simply latch onto the thoughts of another. I am saying that you are not true fans of ST if you simply come here to bitch and moan. What about the positives. Even ST V has some positive points.

But, when you come here to intellectualize ST you sound plain silly. My commentary, including STFU is right on…get off your butts and start writing scripts. How do you think new writers get out into the world? Do they sit on their butts and bitch? No…they work. They write. Not on some fanboy blog but real scripts.

My point is that I am tired of these fans coming here to tear down a movie b/c it’s not, in their non-Hollywood minds, perfect. Opinions are of two kinds, educated do-er’s that learn and grow, and opinions based upon emotion and no relevance. Anyone can bitch and moan in the computer world, including you and me. However, I tend to point the light at the critics that say “this sucks, that sucks” which is hippocritical b/c 1) get off your butts and write a story…(notice that I did not say get a movie made, but at least attempt to put out something you think is better) and 2) You all watch these movies often…buy the DVD’s…if only to complain.

On behalf of all Trekkers, we appreciate your warm and kind words encouraging us to write scripts.

As for your argument that I sound silly when I “intellectualize” Star Trek, when a writer of Star Trek wants me to think about something, I plead guilty to “intellectualizing” it. So I apologize to Harlan Ellison when he wrote “City on the Edge of Forever” that he wanted me to think about hard choices between love and the greater good. I’m sorry I think about time travel and wonder if one goes back in time does he change the timeline or creates another. I’m sorry I was thinking about racism in “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” I’m sorry I think about arms control when I see Ted Sturgeon’s “The Doomsday Machine.” On the movie side, I can’t help but think about Picard’s struggle and the human emotion of revenge in “First Contact.” Sorry about thinking about the environment in “ST: IV: The Voyage Home.”

To give you a fair warning, I will continue to “intellectualize” Star Trek if the writers want me to as an audience to think, and sound “silly” (your words) in the future. My words are directed at my fellow Trekkers in discussion. I suggest you “not read it” to paraphrase your words. Just be grateful that I didn’t try to find existentialism in “G. I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.”

Wrath if Khan was a good movie. The original Space Seed episode was good too, but it isn’t (for me) the quintessential Star Trek. episode
If inspiration is to be drawn from the past, I would like to see something like The Corbomite Maneuver. This is Kirk at his best. Not chess. Poker.

Y’know, Khan aside, if one of the impending movies was going to include Klingons as major characters, it’s occurred to me that — assuming he was interested in coming on-board — Avery Brooks would be absolutely superb as the “main Klingon villain”, assuming that he was given a suitable meaty role.

Remember when Sisko went undercover as a Klingon in the DS9 episode ‘Apocalypse Rising’ ? Avery’s even-more-testosterone-fuelled-than-normal performance was fantastic.

“BRAAAG all you WANT !…But DON’T get between MEEEE and the blood-WIIIINE !!!!”

Now, you see, Ryan, I have a different take. I remember going to see these movies when they first came out. TMP was boring, but when TWOK came out everybody went batsh*t crazy with joy, and rightly so, at how good it was. Then TSFS came out and everybody loved it as well. Both films were good dramas involving death, honour and friendship. When they came out on VHS, they were very popular rentals, both from fans wanting to watch them again and others hearing that the movies were good, checking them out for the first time. This is the important part. ST:II+III on video brought a ton of new fans into the fold, eager to see the fourth installment. Please understand that there was a HUGE GROUNDSWELL of interest because of TWOK and TSFS being so good. BECAUSE of that, when TVH opened, a sh*tload of people went to see it, expecting the same flavour as II+III. Liitle did the audience know that Nimoy and Shatner had decided to “lighten the mood” after so much drama and go in a different direction of being silly and light. Huge crowds came out to see TVH because they were PRESOLD ON IT by the two previous, and vastly superior, films. When TVH made a ton of money, TPTB decided that being “silly and light” was the preferred way to go and the franchise went downhill from there!

Maybe because William Shatner directed The Final Frontier and the budget was drastically cut during shooting. A movie can be humorous and good too, look at the Back to the Future Series.

The OTVS had a myriad of types of episodes, this is one of the reasons it was so good, one week it could be dramatic the next comedic. The mistake was making the “SAME” type of film following the last. I think TVH was an excellent film. TFF sucked because it tried to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. O.K. William Shatner can’t direct.

I guess the best formula is to have elements of all genres, that’s what make a good movie.

Personally, I’d love to see Khan return as “Space Seed” was a favourite episode of mine, and Star Trek TWOK was a huge success!
If the Klingons appeared I’d also be thrilled, I thoughtthe cut scene of 2009’s movie, featuring the Klingons, was awesome!

Let’s face it, I’m not liking those arguments stating that the Borg don’t belong in Kirk’s time, because frankly, they were still around.

In fact, it could easily be fitted in that the events from ST2009 somehow attracted them to that area of space, and well…stuff happens.

Yes, I understand that using the Borg is not a 100% original concept, but the form in which they are used does not necessarily need to hold to a certain mold.

For example: ST2009 was about an angry Romulan…well so was Nemesis (indirectly). However, the angle at which the villain Romulan was approached turned out to be unique.

I think that with current technology, the writers and artists could really do something awesome with the Borg. As opposed to the somewhat clunky drones seen in, say, First Contact, I see something more streamlined and leaned towards “perfection”. Essentially taking their technological level, and smoothing it out as was done with everything in ST2009.

In all honesty…I kinda want the Borg to play villain just because I think that the modern reset version could be really cool, and hold endless possibilities.

1. Be original. What’s the point in re-booting to a new state only to consider a rehash of old stories and character arcs (redundancy). You have the writing talent to produce totally new and amazing journeys for this re-imagined crew. Please have confidence in your own imaginative takes without relying on the regurgitation of old ideas.

2. Drop the focus on Kirk, Spock, and McCoy as it relates to other character development. How long can you focus on a friendship before it gets stale? The entire cast is interesting/amazing (even more so with the 2009 movie). As a person who has watched Star Trek for many years – I can honestly say that you have made me interested in all characters equally, and I look forward to seeing the focus on all (not just three), characters to be continued as it was in your first movie.

3. THIS Kirk and Spock work better as a head-butting, adversarial, and antagonistic team. I say keep them that way. Pine and Quinto doesn’t have the chemistry that Nimoy and Shatner did to pull off the brotherly/deep friendship of old. But they do have the chemistry for head-butting and working to accomplish goals for the greater good. A friendship can come out of this type of interaction..but more so respect. Not to mention occasions of humor. Don’t force their friendship. It will not seem natural. The two actors have a totally different acting style which needs to be taken into consideration when forming their cohesion toward the greater good.

4. Kill McCoy’s racist/speciest insults toward Spock. It seems out-of-place for our time (actually; there never was a time for it). There is great banter that can be used between them “without” using attacks against who he is a person/being. Unless you are going to have Spock throw some racist insults of his own (which then wouldn’t be so funny), I say this really needs to be killed. If you can’t think of anything to tease Spock with other than racist/speciest jokes….then you may want to consider hiring a comedian. Example of some humorous banter from a fanfiction narrative that I read recently that doesn’t involve racist insults. Dialogue starting with Bones:

Several on the bridge, including Captain Kirk, sniggered at that remark.

“That is “not” at all what I was going to say, Doctor,” Spock said, arching his eyebrows and giving Kirk a disapproving look.

The captain cleared his throat and tugged the grin off his face. “Of course not, Commander,” he said, feigning composure.”

5. Thank you for finally giving the character, Uhura, a first name. The fact that a lot of “fans” didn’t care about this in all these years is disappointing (and I’ve tackled this subject quite a bit in the past with other ST fans). You have created a great dossier for her. Let us see her use her skills in combat (still can’t believe they had Nichelle NOT being able to speak Klingon–the TOP communications officer?). She has been the most sorely overlooked and underused character, and it is my hope that you will continue to flesh her out. Nichelle Nicholes didn’t deserve the slight, and neither does Zoe’s version.

6. Spock and Uhura. Keep them. It’s a complementary story arc for both characters. One of the worst writing ideas done for this character was having Prime Spock engage in silly written tryst (whether under the influence of “something, or not). All of those story lines were just silly. Spare ZQSpock from that. Let them continue to be committed. Bond them (we don’t have to see it). It’s never a good look in any century/time to have them be friends with benefits. It dishonors “both” characters. Her African ideals, and his Vulcan’s ideals on commitment make them a good match. Vulcan’s especially are very serious about who they chose as a mate, and who they let touch them. Drop the subtlety. It is confusing for a lot of people. If you are going to go with subtlety…make it big as to eliminate confusion. Drop this so-called love triangle idea. It is immature and unoriginal. Also, any screen time they are given is going to annoy some people and that’s the way it is. But this pairing alone brought in many new fans that went to see the movie repeated times. So it would be unwise to simply ignore and drop them. Whether some like it or not; they now have a huge following.

7. Stick with your guns, and don’t apologize for it. That may sound crass to some….but you can’t please everyone on every point. I can put down all my wants and dislikes…but you are the script writers. I trust that you will come up with something worthwhile.

How about a similar story line to Khan without being Khan.
Ie, a villiant (possibly Klingon or Romulan) steals a federation starship and the storyline is the Enterprise and her crew trying to hunt down this ship and either destroy it or get it back.
Along the way the person in command of the stolen federation starship can commit atrocities or murders which can add the shock value.

I love the idea of the Enterprise becoming badly damaged and the film having to focus more on Kirk and Spock using their brains like TWOK…

I agree though. Khan cannot be in this movie. Neither can the Borg as i have heard many people mention.

Maybe have the Earth-Klingon war…? One thing is for certain. I think this movie needs a little shock value and to pull away from the science fiction somewhat.

The timeline is broken. The slate is clear. Although I loved all the star treks that went before (except perhaps Deep Space Nine). I want something new with exciting new possibilities. I also don’t want a talking shop. The last film was exciting and had a little humour and enough talking. It also had a very bad baddy. No bringing back people from before the format is good as it is.

What ever the story line is, I hope they go all out with special effects. One thing I believe that captures the attention of the audience is the space battles and scenry used. The first one did a wonderful job in capturing that.

Given all the story lines we have seen in the Star Trek universe. I would like to see one showing some kind of invasion force landing on earth. It would be nice to bring in characters of the crews family as both civilian and starfleet members battle to gain back the freedom of their world from an agressive race.

I would like to see a villain patterned after the Romulan Commander in “The Enterprise Incident”. Go for suspense, political intrigue, romantic tension and a motivation we can sympathize with.

I really enjoyed most of the Star Trek films, but the villains are usually pretty one-sided. We’ve had two devices that decided to destroy the earth because they couldn’t get in touch with someone, three grief ridden maniacs bent on revenge, a klingon and a borg being evil because it’s their nature, a maniac willing to destroy multiple worlds to get where he wants to go and a megalomaniacal deity from beyond the edge of the galaxy. I would really enjoy a villain I can identify with to some degree.

I liked the 2009 movie and the fact that the time travel gave the franchise a chance to go in another direction.
I LIKE the pairing of Spock and Uhura. Spock was always my favorite character, and I would enjoy seeing more dimension and depth to his character. Please don’t make a triangle of Spock/Uhura/Kirk.
Kirk and Spock should remain partially antagonistic and work gradually towards a possible closer friendship down the line.
I personally don’t care much for William Shatner. If they feel they need to include him in the new film, I hope his air time is limited.
Bring in more female crew members. One (or more) of them could be a love interest for the new Kirk. Kirk always played the field in the series. Like James Bond, he could have a new girlfriend in each movie.
I’d rather see Romulans or Klingons or a new alien race rather than reboot Khan.
Above all, I’d like to see this sequel be creative and original!

I’m surprised no one is talking about “correcting” the “deviations” created in the timeline in the 2009 movie, i.e., is there time travel to prevent the destruction of Vulcan and the death of Amanda? Not saying that such a “correction” is necessary. Do we proceed in the new darker timeline? Maybe an alliance with the Klingons begins to take place during Kirk’s time in this timeline instead of Picard’s?

No Khan please! Come on Hollywood, let us see some original thoughts and not just episode re-writes. All I seem to see at the movies are remakes of older movies. What?????Has creativity become so rare? Star Trek was a wonderful show and I did enjoy the new movie but again NO KHAN!

Kirk’s dead, so is Khan. To have them shown in the movies present time would insult the inteligence of the people who really know ST history. Perhaps if either were shown in a ‘past-history’ sequence it wouldn’t tax reality as much. Kirk was already pulled back into Pecard’s world once. I dont think it’d work very well twice. Dead is dead. Let ‘em lie. Maybe having Kirk(Shatner) open the movie with somethng exciting, then flash ” 30 yrs later……” on the screen with the new players continueing. I think it’d be great to have ALL the old crew (primes) in this scenario.

like 104 – I’d like to see Mr. Shatner in as Tiberius Kirk. How about teaming Tiberius Kirk with Harry Mudd? Only this Harry Mudd is a mean guy and grandpa being involved with him would be a major embrassment. Maybe Mudd is even someone from Jim’s past ( “genius-level repeat offender” remember!)

220 and 236
I agree with their evaluations of the Kirk/Spock relationship in this movie. I thought that Kirk/McCoy chemistry worked really well.

I’m for space exploration. I don’t want to see Earth threatened yet again. Maybe they could discover a new world, fragile and beautiful, that requires help, due to ecological problems created by off-worlders taking their resources while not being fully aware of the damage they are causing this world (Menosia). Just an idea.